Cycle New Zealand: Otago Rail Trail

Queenstown & Otago Rail Trail

Trip kicks off with a pick-up at 8am. Transfer by private vehicle along the Kawarau River to Clyde (85km, approx. 1.5 hours) for bike fitting. Cycle past vineyards, over an old wooden trestle bridge and along the Clutha River Track (~13km) to Alexandra via the historic bridge. Continue through Galloway Station, Chatto Creek, up Tiger Hill then downhill to overnight accommodation in Omakau/Ophir. Optional dinner and locally-brewed Dark Horse beer or cider at the Commercial Hotel. Today's riding distance: approximately 37km/23 miles, mostly flat.

Otago Rail Trail - Omakau to Wedderburn

Highlight is the beautiful Poolburn Gorge section featuring two tunnels and two viaducts. Ride through Ida Valley farmlands past Idaburn Dam (one of NZ's few outdoor curling sites) and visit Hayes Historic Engineering Works. Stop at Oturehua Tavern for lunch. Continue north to the Golden Progress Mine and up to the highest point of the trail before stopping at Wedderburn. Evening meal at Wedderburn Tavern (not included). Today's riding distance: approximately 42km/26 miles, mostly flat.

Meals: Breakfast

Otago Rail Trail - Wedderburn to Waipiata

Short day of just 23km, mostly downhill from Wedderburn to Ranfurly, Otago's Art Deco capital. Enjoy morning tea and explore the town, then cross the Maniototo Plains, Lord of the Rings territory with flat plains giving way to snow-capped mountains. Today's riding distance: approximately 21km/13 miles, mostly downhill. Note: due to limited accommodation in Waipiata, group may be split between 2 nearby hotel/motels; some rooms may have shared facilities.

Meals: Breakfast

Otago Rail Trail - Waipiata to Middlemarch/Queenstown

Cycle approximately 55km with stunning views of the Rock and Pillar Ranges. Ride alongside the Taieri River, cross the historic Capburn Bridge and Price's Creek Viaduct, pass through tunnels including the famous Daisybank tunnel, and pause at the Hyde Railway Disaster Memorial (commemorating the fatal 1943 derailment). Morning snack en route. Arrive in Middlemarch for lunch at local eateries or Maggies Ice Cream shop. Transfer by vehicle (approx. 3 hours) back to Queenstown, arriving approx. 6pm. Transfer departs Middlemarch at 2pm. Today's riding distance: approximately 53km/33 miles, mostly flat/downhill.

Meals: Breakfast